It has been shown that over 90% of all mobile users read their SMS within two minutes of receiving the information.
What better way to let individuals. organisations, clubs and groups know about your business or your initiative than by sending an effective SMS?
One of the best ways, if not the best way, for businesses to communicate with their customers, clients, shareholders, affiliates or employees in a very effective and most cost efficient manner is by using a Short Messaging Service i.e by sending SMS. Whether it is for marketing or for prompt communication or used for operational matters, sending key details via a mobile phone in large or small numbers will ensure people will read it. It has been shown that over 90% of all mobile users read their SMS within two (2) minutes of receiving the information. SMS is a very effective way to let someone know about your organisation, clubs and groups and its initiatives in a very direct manner. Some of the most reputable SMS bulk providers are provided in this table.
The answer to this title heading is simple to explain. It is a means of allowing your business to be able to send thousands of text messages simultaneously that will ensure it reach a large number of people in a matter of seconds or at the latest, in minutes.
But it’s more than just the dissemination of a key message or a promotional marketing position that is important. It is also the ability to receive and document feedback if needed and to be able to monitor how effective your message and distribution has been received. With your database available, the bulk SMS provider can allow spreadsheets to be uploaded for viewing the spread and effectiveness of the SMS that was sent out. You can also export mobile phone numbers from an external program so that you can manage contacts. This data file can be uploaded into an address book for use in campaigns or information updates.
A business or organisation can select a way of reply through an inbound system, which will go straight to your email address or if you wish, directly to your mobile phone. Personalized text messages can be arranged to make it more personalised thereby improving your two way engagement with the people you sent the SMS to, whether they are your customers or other people that need to be informed, so improving the effectiveness of your communications.
It’s important that a business set up the best and most effective method of using SMS for the distribution of large volumes of messages. It’s equally important that the business consider a bulk SMS provider that can offer the best features, reasonable charges, reliability and customer service.
There are numerous bulk SMS providers in UK and therefore, in your business plan and business strategy you need to select wisely knowing fully what these SMS providers can offer.
Take the SMS Bulk Comparison Table shown above as a guide to assist you in reviewing the major factors that need to be considered such as features, costs and charges, reliability, reputation, and customer service.
To support the SMS Bulk Comparison Table, the five well established providers have been compared. They were selected on their longevity in the SMS bulk arena, their gateway provisions, their ability to service a large number of clients whether they are corporations, SMEs or organisations.
Taking a cost or charge perspective it was researched and evaluated that ClickSend offered best value. ClickSend has exclusive pricing with respect to all outbound text messages and all inbound text messages are free offered for British businesses. The only additional fee for using this bulk SMS service is associated with the cost of a dedicated number.
When comparing the pricing schedules for the bulk SMS providers investigated, the price variance can be as high as 60%. This variation can be based on the telecommunication networks used (hybrids or premier providers) and the service level agreements offered by the provider. Of course, such cheaper pricing is based on comparable volume. ClickSend ensures that their prices are regularly checked against competitors and adjusted so clients always attain the best deal.
Price is one important feature but the capability of mass distribution of SMS within a short period of time with a 100% reliability Service Level Agreement guarantee is equally as important. Using reliable direct telecommunication carriers from UK ensures that the SMS will be sent when required, whether it is within UK or overseas. Once again, comparing five well know and established SMS Bulk providers, ClickSend offers the best value.
Bulk SMS works from your computer sending email details to the SMS bulk provider servers who will configure the information in a way that can form a simple and easily read text message that will be sent to the database of addresses you or the business provides.
No software is required to be downloaded or installed. You only need a web browser and access to the Internet. The SMS provider has the software API to make it totally web based.
Your business contacts are saved and translated into groups so as to manage your contacts properly. Of course, it is important that all your existing databases of mobile numbers are constantly updated so as to important current contacts for sending SMS.
The SMS Bulk provider will be able to offer a two way SMS service where you can receive responses to the SMS if you require such input. This can be viewed on your web or sent to your email. This way the business can track whether a message has been received on the receiver’s mobile phone. Therefore, details of all outgoing and incoming SMS can be kept so as to track the effectiveness of your marketing or communication campaign.
By notifying the SMS Bulk providers in advance, the business can schedule sending out text messages at pre-determined times. Great for reminding people of appointment times or rescheduling or important dates to be remembered.
It’s important that you are able to seek and gain assistance and advice from a Bulk SMS provider when required either by email or by contacting them by phone. This is particularly vital when using a new unfamiliar system so reassurance to new users makes life easier when one can talk through the procedures in sending out text messages. Some providers offer 24/7 services while other offer customer contact during business hours only. Also one needs to know if they have a customer call centre is UK or overseas to accessibility purposes.
When seeking a bulk provider, check the availability of a free trial to see how the whole SMS system works with the provider. Free trails range from a few text messages to 25 free messages. Also make sure they are SPAM and GDPR compliant and that your database of contacts are kept confidential and not used incorrectly for other purposes other than what you have specified.
Comparing the nine reputable British SMS Bulk providers, it can be seen the availability and range of customer service offered to their clients.
This site and the associated SMS Comparison Table was established by a group of IT experts who were in the SMS field for a number of years and who experienced a lack of appreciation by businesses as to what British SMS providers were available and their wide range of services and features on offer to potential clients.
As a consequence, this table and site was produced to assist in reviewing the important factors you need to consider prior to engaging a reliable SMS Bulk provider. The site and table is available free of charge. It is a service that the authors believe needs to be presented so as to clarify what you are looking for your business. Should you use the site and engage one of these providers, then the authors may request that particular provider for a commission.
This site and table is constantly being updated to ensure it is current and clear. Should you see any information that is different from the bulk Provider website, please let the authors’ know so that changes can be made as soon as possible.
The authors hope you will benefit from this independent review and analysis of bulk SMS business in UK.